Choose a fridge based on the space available, its usable capacity and how much food you want to freeze. An under-counter model is a good fit when space is very limited, while a fridge freezer gives you two separate storage areas. With a multi-door model, pay particular attention to its dimensions and the energy label for the specific model.
The size of your household matters, but how often you shop and how much freezer space you need can also affect which size is right for you.
If space is limited, compare the usable capacity of an under-counter fridge with your usual shopping needs. Measure the route into the kitchen and allow room to open the door, too: checking the height under the worktop alone isn’t enough.
A fridge freezer lets you consider the fridge and freezer space separately. Check the capacity in litres of each compartment rather than choosing by total capacity alone.
A large fridge freezer or multi-door model could suit bigger shops, provided its width, depth, door clearance and delivery access all work for your home. Follow the clearances specified in the model’s instructions.
Worth considering: for a studio flat or kitchenette where space greatly limits the size of appliance you can choose.
Bear in mind: its smaller capacity leaves less room for a big shop or lots of frozen food.
Worth considering: if most of your storage is for fresh food and you freeze very little.
Bear in mind: whether there’s a freezer compartment, and how large it is, varies by model.
Worth considering: if your household regularly uses both a fridge and a dedicated freezer compartment.
Bear in mind: two appliances with the same total capacity may divide the space between their compartments differently.
Worth considering: if your household will make good use of several storage areas and you have a suitable space for it.
Bear in mind: some models are very wide; Bosch, for example, lists multi-door models that are 90.5 cm wide.
Once you’ve chosen a type, compare the compartments and dimensions of the specific model before checking its energy label.
| Feature | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | UFC-Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 l as a starting point for one person, with a further 50 l for each additional person. Adjust this to how often you shop and the containers you need to store. | I want enough room for my usual shopping without taking up unnecessary space in the kitchen. |
| Installation | Compare the height, width and depth with the space available and the delivery route. Check the door swing, opening direction and clearances specified in the model’s instructions. | The door must open without hitting a wall or furniture, even if the appliance fits into the alcove. |
| Freezing | Check whether the appliance has an integrated freezer compartment or a dedicated freezer. Compare fridge and freezer capacities separately, not just their combined total. | If I often buy frozen food, I need enough room for it without cutting back too much on space for fresh food. |
| Energy label | The European Commission says the label shows an A to G energy class, energy consumption and, depending on the appliance, details such as capacity or noise. Compare models with similar storage needs. | I want to check the energy consumption of the model I choose, rather than deciding on capacity alone. |
The total capacity in litres doesn’t tell you how much space is in the compartment you’ll use most. With a fridge freezer, an unsuitable split could leave you short of room for fresh or frozen food.
Check the capacity of both compartments and compare them with your usual shopping before looking at total capacity.
A fridge may fit into the space available but still not allow the door to open as needed or meet the required installation clearances.
Check the model’s diagram and instructions for its depth, door swing and ventilation requirements. Also check the delivery route and whether the door can be reversed, if necessary.
A large appliance needs to suit both your kitchen and the way you shop. Bosch’s multi-door range includes models that are 90.5 cm wide; this measurement doesn’t apply to all multi-door models.
Compare the dimensions and energy label of the model you’re considering with those of a fridge freezer that offers enough space for your household.
In France, the Ministry of the Economy states that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer. Check what additional cover a commercial extended warranty provides.
Before taking out an extended warranty, read the terms covering its duration, home visits, parts, labour and exclusions.
These brands’ ranges illustrate different configurations; always check the specifications of the model you’re considering.
Bosch offers fridge freezers and multi-door models in France. Its multi-door range includes models listed as 90.5 cm wide.
Liebherr offers under-counter and single-door fridges, among other models. The brand lists its Rdi 1621 Plus under-counter fridge as having a capacity of 125 l and dimensions of 85 × 60 × 60,7 cm.
Electrolux offers built-in fridges, including models with and without a freezer compartment.
This selection includes fridge freezers and three- or four-door appliances. Compare their stated capacity with your freezer needs, then check the installation dimensions.
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Worth considering if your household needs plenty of storage and you have a suitable space for it.
Four-door fridge freezer with Total No Frost, E energy class and a silver finish. Check the dimensions, delivery route and door clearance before buying.
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Consider comparing this fridge freezer if width is limited but you still want a separate freezer compartment.
Listed as 54 cm wide and 176 cm tall, with a stated 70/30 split and Low Frost system. Also check the depth and required installation clearances.
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This three-door model could suit a household looking for more space for fresh and frozen food, provided there’s enough room for it.
Total No Frost, E energy class, Wi-Fi and My Zone are listed in the model description. Measure the delivery route and check the instructions for the required clearances.
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Its listed width of 54 cm could suit a household that needs to fit a fridge freezer into a narrow kitchen.
The model description lists a 153 L fridge, a 74 L 4-star freezer, a reversible door, Low Frost and an E energy class. Check the model’s height, depth and clearances.
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Worth comparing for a smaller household looking to combine fridge and freezer storage in a more compact appliance.
The model description lists Low Frost, an adjustable thermostat and a reversible door. Check the full dimensions, installation clearances and energy label for the model.
UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 l of usable capacity as a starting point for one person. Adjust this to how often you shop, and check how much space is set aside for freezing separately.
Yes, if you regularly need a dedicated freezer compartment and the appliance fits in your kitchen. If you freeze very little, compare an under-counter or single-door model too, based on their usable capacity.
Measure the space and the distance from nearby walls and furniture, then check the model’s dimensioned diagram. Make sure the door opens the right way for you, or check whether it’s reversible: this varies by model.
Follow the clearances specified in the instructions for your chosen model. In its guide to a built-in American-style fridge, Bosch recommends at least 5 cm at the sides and above; this measurement doesn’t automatically apply to other appliances.
Compare the energy class and consumption of appliances with similar storage capacities. According to the European Commission, the label uses an A to G scale and also provides information such as capacity and noise, depending on the product. Its QR code links to further details about the model in EPREL.